Newly revamped ambulance service centres in Bendigo were yesterday unveiled by the Minister for Health, David Davis.

The region now has ambulance stations in Epsom, Eaglehawk, Strathdale and central Bendigo, as well as a regional office in the city’s north.

Mr Davis said the $15 million overhaul was aimed at improving response times throughout Bendigo and the region.

“By dispersing the stations and the paramedic workforce, and the roster changes, we are able to get a much better outcome,” he said.

“It is an outcome that sees people responded to quicker and the survival rate increasing.”

Mr Davis said the new ambulance facilities and the existing station at Kangaroo Flat would enable paramedics to be better placed to respond to critical emergencies.

“Patients in life-threatening emergencies will benefit from reduced response times, with new branches to service growth areas,” he said.

Ambulance Victoria chief executive officer Greg Sassella said the new ambulance stations would make it easier for paramedics to reach people. “The survival rates in Bendigo are some of the highest in Australia,” he said.

The ambulance overhaul is part of the state government’s $630 million Bendigo Hospital Project.